Thursday, February 28, 2013

I have now completely addicted to on-line blog challenges!! The latest one I've found is on the colourQ blog and I think color challenges are the easiest, especially when paired with an AWESOME new stamp set!! Here I have used PTI's Watercolor Wonder stamp set with Night of Navy, Soft Sky, Kiwi Kiss, & Brilliant Blue SU! inks on a white background. These colors are fresh and crisp and beautiful - an exciting and inspiring color palette to use for sping! Check out the colourQ blog to find your own inspiration!! Thanks for stopping by and have a great Thursday!!

Until two days ago, Branch Out by Stampin' Up! was my very favorite stamp set - my go-to stamp set when I couldn't come up with an idea using any other stamp; the stamp set I talked about the most with other stampers; the stamp set I loved above all others. But two days ago, all that changed!! That distinction now goes to PTI's Watercolor Wonder stamp set. IT. IS. AMAZING!! If you're an awesome random stamper, you will take to this stamp set like a duck to water. However, if you're like me and tend to be a more structured stamper, this stamp set may take a little getting used to! I do love putting vibrant colors together and this stamp set is perfect for that. Thanks for stopping by - come back soon for more watercolor wonder!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I got this ADORABLE stamp set from Sweet Stamp Shop for the bargain-basement price of $10 recently on their website and it is simply fantastic!! The possibilities for embellishing that little scooter are endless. Thanks for stopping by - come back tomorrow for some wonderful watercolors!!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

I am really getting into these blog challenges!! This is my first 10-Minute Craft Dash, but I'm really excited to do more. Imagine if I can actually make presentable cards in less than 10 minutes!! Plus, I love having a purpose for making cards and since no one I know is worthy of receiving a handmade card (with a few notable exceptions, lol!), these challenges are perfect outlet for my pseudo-creativity!!

I used SU! Melon Mambo & Tempting Turquoise DSP; PTI Hawaiian Shores, Hibiscus, Raspberry Fizz, and Dark Chocolate ink; and PTI Mega Mixed Messages stamp set. The ribbon is a rich brown velvet that came off the box of Godiva chocolates my husband gave me for Valentine's Day. How's that for recycling?! And I finished my card in just under 8 minutes - PLENTY of time to spare!! Can't wait till the next challenge!

Friday, February 22, 2013

This is the card I made for the CAS(E) this Sketch blog. This is a great way to renew your excitement for card-making - I can ALWAYS use a little inspiration!! I decided to use the sketch exactly as pictured, but you can change it up to fit your style, mood, anything that suits you. Thanks for stopping by and have a great Friday!! TGIF!!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

This is the first card I've made with my new Fabulous Frames die collection from Papertrey Ink. I am going to have such a great time experimenting with these amazing dies! And this paper is gorgeous (and will be highlighted better in a future blog post)! I used a layout that my stamping buddy, Leigh Ann had for us at a recent get-together. I love getting inspired by my talented friends!! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I am so excited to share these cards/tag that I made for Scrappin' in the City's Design Team Challenge!! It's my first challenge and, since I am a washi tape FANATIC, I couldn't wait to participate!! Hope you likey!!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

This is my new favorite card!! I LOVE the paper-pieced cupcake and the button and ribbon and the layering and EVERYTHING about it! I have finally opened a couple of stamp sets, still new in their packaging, that I have NEVER used and they are a treasure trove of possibilities!! I love the sentiment on this card - and I hope YOU have a splendid day!!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Isn't this the NEATEST "alternative" Valentine!! My stampin' friend, Harriet, had this card for us to make at our last get-together and I LOVE IT! I made this card with Bailey in mind and I know she will think it ROCKS! She's far removed from pink, frou-frou Valentines (so sad!), so this Valentine is perfect for her. Thanks for stopping by and have a happy {heart} day!!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Here is a little more Valentine inspiration in the event you STILL haven't made your Valentines (I hope that's not the case!). I found the inspiration for the first one on Pinterest. It was very
simple to make - adhere four pieces of patterned paper to a piece of
copy paper and run it though your die-cutting machine. I embossed the
completed heart for extra dimension. Kathy had the second one for us to make at our last stamping get-together and I LOVE it!! I gave it to my parents for Valentine's Day and they loved it, too! Thanks for stopping by!!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

This is Morgan's Valentine this year!! She LOVES looking at my new Paper Source catalog and had even learned to say hedgehog, so I made her one of her very own! Not the best copy in the world, but maybe she won't mind! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you've finished your Valentines!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Typically, when I try to slap together a card for a contest or challenge, it ends up being a complete train-wreck. And this time is no exception! But for the chance to win a $60 Papertrey Ink gift certificate, I will do anything, including a color challenge, which is typically the hardest for me. So cross those little fingers that I am randomly selected!!

Big news! I was recently selected to be on the Design Team of Scrappin' in the City (SITC), our local scrapbook store!! I am so excited!! This is my first project for the store, and I have used several of the great items I found there. Hope you'll stop be and see my projects (3 per month for the next 6 months!) Thanks for stopping by!!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

I found this technique that I have never seen before on Pinterest and gave it a try! The tutorial clearly stated that regular cardstock was used but I thought watercolor paper would be even more awesome! Boy, was I wrong! After four tries, I gave in and used regular cardstock with wonderful results. I took one of my acrylic blocks and used markers to color three stripes directly on the block, spritzed the block lightly with water, and applied it to my white cardstock. Isn't this an interesting look? I added embossed butterflies that I "decorated" with copper Stickles for the bodies/antennae and stamped a simple sentiment. Hope you like! Thanks for stopping by!!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

I have had this vinyl decal from SU! for at least a year, maybe two, and I never got around to making the shadow box I intended until recently! I still didn't make it in time for Christmas but, if I don't lose it, I will have it for next year! My friend, Trish, applied it to the glass for me because when I sat down to do it, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING! Once the decal was on, the rest was a piece of cake - a square of striped paper in the back and a package of multi-sized bells in the frame. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

This week's Make It Monday challenge is pillow box stamping and assembly. I'll admit I went straight to Pinterest for this project and CASEd it almost completely!! This pillow box is a dainty little container that holds only about 3-4 kisses so you'll either want to make a bunch of them for your Valentine or use one as an accent for a larger gift. I used PTI's Mega Mixed Messages stamp set, Bitty Dot Basics paper (which is from 2008, y'all!!). and Raspberry Fizz ink. My box is primarily pink, but I did throw in a little red cardstock and red & white twine. Thanks for stopping by!

I am so stoked to finally have all the piece of Iconic Images back. I am notoriously bad at keeping up with clear stamps because I don't put them away immediately and they stick to other things and fall off in other places and generally go missing on a regular basis!! So after an entire year of NOT having all the pieces of this stamp set, I am using the heck out of it because it is an awesome set! Very versatile and just fun to use. This is a sympathy card for one of Bailey's elementary school teachers whose mother recently passed away. I love the soft colors and vintage feel and especially the sponged color on the focal point panel. It gives such depth and another layer without adding more paper. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your Saturday!!

Friday, February 1, 2013

I brushed off PTI's Baby Button Bits the other day and put together this paper pieced cupcake that I LOVE and will definitely make again! If you have three coordinating pieces (or even scraps) of designer paper and cardstock, you can knock this card out fairly quickly. And who wouldn't love to receive a beautiful cupcake card, along with a delicious cupcake! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

About Me

I am a stay-at-home mom, Starbucks lover, and paper fanatic! I have been married to my sweet husband for almost 22 years (YIKES!) and we have two beautiful daughters: 16-year-old Bailey (who's driving!!) and 6-year-old Morgan (who's in kindergarten!). My life is richly blessed!